Friends, I was way overdue for another book sneak peek and with the book release date being only 4 short weeks away (eeek!) I knew I couldn't wait any longer. But then... an advance copy of the actual book showed up on my doorstep the other day so, after I squealed, hugged it, danced with it and ran around showing everyone I knew (or didn't know), I decided that this next sneak peek should be a look inside the actual book, instead of just showing still shots like I've been doing all along.

The first thing you'll see when you open the book is an envelope on the inside front cover which includes 9 full-size patterns sheets inside...

If you have used a MODKID sewing pattern before, you'll be pleased to know that the book uses the same size sheets, paper stock and drawing style of our existing patterns. And... something that will make all sewing enthusiasts happy: the patterns are printed on the front side of the sheets ONLY, and there is no overlapping of pattern pieces, so there is no need to copy or trace. I don't know about you, but that is my one of biggest pet peeves! I hate opening a pattern and finding the pieces all on top of each other or printed front & back. I was very adamant at the beginning of this process that the pattern sheets should be done EXACTLY like ours so our fans would have a sense of familiarity and comfort when working with them.

Another thing I should mention is that before I started doing what I do for a living now, I worked for 10 years at a printing/marketing company. Paper was my life even before fabric was my life. When we set out to produce our line of patterns, I sourced the perfect paper stock. This was very important to me and apparently it is to all of you out there too, because we get tons of compliments on our paper stock. Luckily for me (and for you), Wiley agreed to match our stock and size, so that makes me a happy camper! :)

But enough about the patterns, let's look further inside the book. The book is divided into 5 chapters, the first one being a Guide to Sewing with Knits, then the next 4 chapters being: Accessories, Bottoms, Tops and Dresses & Ensembles, respectively.

In the Guide to Sewing with Knits chapter, I not only give you a comprehensive guide on knit fabrics and show you how to sew with your serger or your sewing machine, but I also talk about all the different types of stretch trims you can use to embellish your garments... there are SO MANY!

And I talk about tools, tools, tools... all of my favorite ones!

The project chapters are written and illustrated just like my patterns, including sizing charts (for US and EURO sizes), how-to diagrams and tips & tricks galore. Even the Potty Girls make an appearance in each project!

Projects range from very easy to more challenging...

And I don't want you to think that I stopped at the simple leggings and t-shirt dresses. I also include projects to make with fabrics that most of you may not have sewn with before, like stretch velour, stretch velvet or stretch fleece...

And, of course, swimsuit lycras and dancewear fabrics, because why not make a complete wardrobe for every need?

I even have an adorable swim suit cover-up made with stretch terry!

At the back of the book, I included a glossary. Again, if you've even sewn with a MODKID pattern, then you know that all of our patterns come with a small glossary of terms in the inside back cover. It includes pretty much all the terms used in the instructions, in case you need to refer to them before sewing. Well, think of this as the MODKID Glossary on steroids! We went through the entire book and highlighted every term that we thought may need further explanation... it's all there!

Anyway... I hope you enjoyed this final sneak peek before the book comes out. I know I tend to get a bit wordy. ;) My next assignment is to shoot a promo video to be shown on Amazon. Wish me luck (I am super nervous about it!). The release date of the book is March 20th but I hear the people who pre-order it often times get it a tad sooner, so there ya go! :) See a list of retailers who have the book up for pre-order here. To see more photos from the book, click here and here.

26 comments:

Looks Fabulous! Can't wait to get a copy. Also let us know if you have any book signings in your agenda, especially in California ( San Diego, LA, Orange County )? & I love that your kids are featured in it, what a special momento for them. I bet they will have their share of people asking them for their autograph too. :)

I can't wait! So excited. I can't believe what a little lady Sydney looks like. I was looking at your past patterns over the weekend and it's so sweet to see how much both Sydney and Sophie have grown since they started modeling for you.

haha... I know what you mean. Sydney was just barely 3 when I shot the cover for Lil' Chef (my first pattern) She had the chubby cheek toddler look. Now she is a little lady at 7 years old. sniff, sniff

Thank you all! We are all pretty excited about this! I'm not sure about book signings. Once I get some sort of a schedule, I will surely post it here. Also, look for a blog book tour starting April 2nd ... more details to come! :)

I can't wait. Huge fan of yours, your patterns and knits, especially. Did I miss a post but where or when can I get that so very cute fabric that makes up the skirts on the front cover. I just LOVE your knits and use them so often. Can't wait to get this book!! Marnie

Marnie, the middle girl (my daughter) is wearing my own knits from my first collection, as you might know. The other two girls are wearing some purchased Marimekko knits I found online. I do have a brand new collection of knits coming out this Spring, which I think are fabulous! Stay tuned!

Because of you, I am now sewing knits after 30 years of sewing!! My children love that I can make them comfy clothes. I just bought myself the Penelope pattern and can't wait to make my dress with one of your fabrics! I can't wait for your new book!

Oh my goodness! I am SO excited about this book! I've only been sewing for a few years and although I have become comfortable with cotton fabrics, knits still scare me a little. I recently made the double layer twirl skirt from your Julia pattern and found the instructions very detailed and easy to follow. Can't wait to start experimenting with some new techniques and the knits featured in your book. Thank you, Patty, for all of your hard work in creating this book for us Modkid fans!

Great! Well, in late April/May you will see a brand new line of knits from me. They are fabulous, if I might say so... the designs are a bit mod and a bit retro, and the fabric is a cotton/poly/spandex blend... super soft and has 0 shrinkage! :)

Patty Young

I am a lover of all things pretty and colorful. I have several fabric collections available through Michael Miller Fabrics, JoAnn Fabrics and soon... Riley Blake! I also have my own line of sewing patterns and two sewing books! Check my website below for more details...